Humpbacks, Minkes, dolphins and more!

2019 04-18 SB Channel

Captain Dave and the crew found “bluebird” conditions: warm sunny skies and calm seas, today in the Santa Barbara Channel. Two trips left the dock, one at 9 AM and the other at noon. Total sightings for the day include: two Minke whales, three humpback whales, and 225 long-beaked common dolphins. On the morning trip Captain Dave ran a course straight out to the south and back again. The first sightings occurred 2 miles out when a small group of 75 long-beaked common dolphins located the Condor Express. Further to the south we slowedd down to watch a single Minke whale. Finally the “real” show took place even further south. A single humpback was socializing with two California sea lions. This took the form of spy-hopping, rolling around, and some vocalizing as the 2 furry animals “played” with the leviathan. Very special.

On the afternoon trip we were about 2 miles offshore when several hundred dolphins located the boat. Everyone enjoyed watching them ride our bow, side, and stern waves. Dave ran east from there and about 3 miles off the Miramar Hotel a mother humpback whale and her calf were located. The calf did a little snuggling with Mom…perhaps some nursing solicitation? Soon afterwords, another Minke whale was watched. You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com